Whippet History

The resulting small dogs could be used for poaching in the royal forests, and for entertainment in snap dog contests in which bets were made on how many rabbits a dog could snap up before the rabbits escaped from a circle. This gave the whippet its first name of "snap-dog."

During the Industrial Revolution, workers brought their dogs with them to towns. They staged betting races in which the dogs raced in a 200-yard straight line toward a person waving a rag. This earned the breed the name of "poor man's racehorse."

The AKC recognized the whippet in 1888.

The whippet is the most popular of the greyhound-like breeds.

The whippet is the most successful breed competing in the sport of lure-coursing, in which they chase a plastic bag dragged along a zig-zagging course at high speed.

Whippet Behavior Concerns

Makes a devoted and gentle companion.

It is one of the most demonstrative and obedient of the greyhound-like breeds.

It enjoys sitting close to its family; it is sometimes described as "clingy."

It may tend to run off to chase moving things, especially small animals.

Sociable with children, strangers, and other dogs and animals (except small strange ones running away).

An alert watchdog, but not a very effective protection dog.

Learns quickly, but is easily bored.

Does best with reward-based training involving food or play. Very sensitive.

Whippet Suggested Exercises

Makes a very quiet housedog as long as its exercise needs are met.

Requires a moderate walk or jog, or a sprint in an enclosed area, every day.

Games and tricks provide needed mental exercise.

Its short hair provides virtually no protection against cold weather. A coat may be necessary in cold weather.

Whippet Grooming

Coat is short and thin.

The coat needs weekly brushing, and occasional bathing.

Shedding is below average.

Suggested Whippet Nutritional Needs

Whippet conformation is for a naturally thin build, but owners often overfeed them. You should be able to feel the ribs, but they should not be too noticeable.

Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.

Specialty Care

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